A Dangerous Method

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This historical drama film is based off Christopher Hampton's 2002 stageplay The Talking Cure, and off the 1993 book A Most Dangerous Method: The Story of Jung, Freud, and Sabina Spielrein. This story begins during the eve of World War I. Sabina Spielrein was a mentally ill patient sent to Carl Jung for treatment. This sets of a series of unexpected events that allows for Jung to met Sigmund Freud, become romantically entangled with Spielrein, and open

This film was directed by David Cronenberg. This film is taken from actual historical accounts with the three characters. I can't say how truthful it is to history, but either way this led to the birth of psychoanalysis (or treatment through talking). The film does rush through moments in history, but the growing relationships is present. The script is spoken through psychological arguments between the characters. It can be hard to keep up with the language if you're not used to it. The unusual relationship between Spielrein and Jung is shown through the film, and it kind of seems random in this particular setting. The world was constrained by highly conservative ideas, and the bondage relationship is highly out of place. A lot of the film is very subtle in acting, story, and in everything else. All the intensity of characters relationships is kept within the constraints of the time. There ins't much middle ground of when Spielrein is insane to when she become fairly sane. There also is very limited information between Spielrein and Freud's collegial relationship. I wouldn't recommend this film for children. 

The acting was good. I was surprised that this film's primary cast was re-casted because of some scheduling conflicts. Michael Fassbender played the role of Carl Jung. He was good at creating the character who was having trouble facing his own inner problems. His inner problems kept him from freedom, and Fassbender did a great job in creating this character. He kept a lot of the character subtle, and it made him believable. Keira Knightley played the role Sabina Spielrein. She was great at portraying the physical insanity of the character (even if it did look like her jaw was unhinged most of the time). She did great transforming the character through the course of the film. Viggo Mortensen played the role of Sigmund Freud. I was greatly surprised by his performance. He had the presence of a master who could read your every thought. He also lessened his twang, so that it was nearly gone. He transformed himself to better become the character. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It's a great film, with a lot of great story. It can easily get lost in its psychoanalytical script, but adds to the feel of the film. A lot of it is strange, but it works out well. 

Answer to last blog: Gary Ross also directed the film Pleasantville, as well as the Hunger Games. 

Que: What other film has director David Cronenberg and actor Viggo Mortensen worked together on?

Lord of the Flies

A History of Violence

Silk

Pitch Black Heist

The Hunger Games

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This film is based off the popular novel, of the same title, written by Suzanne Collins. This film is set in the dystopia universe where 12 districts are rulled by the Capitol. Every year the Capitol selects one male and one female tribute for the Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12, and is faced with several hard decisions. This year, her sister, Prim, is selected for the Hunger Games. Katniss offers herself as tribute, and quickly finds herself faced with her greatest challenges. This also places her at odds with the Capitol itself. 

This film was directed by Gary Ross. While this film remains very faithful to the novel it does sidestep on a lot of small details. The 142 minute film keeps to the central points of the story. A lot of the violence is toned down from the novel, but it is still present in the film. I wouldn't suggest taking young children to see it. The film uses shaky camera movements in gain real life aspects, but uses a smooth camerawork when showing things from the viewers perspective. I have to mention a few things. This film is a rip-off from Battle Royale (2000, Kinji Fukasaku). Only this film does present a much more deeper story to the idea. This film also is not Twilight or Harry Potter-despite being crammed into the hole of teenage summer blockbuster hits. The film is considered to be science-fiction, but its really more of a survival story. The story remains highly predictable, but (thanks to the amazing cast) your still pulled into it. The music was good, it added to the film's emotional sequences. I'm glade they didn't put in random popular songs to make it better for teenagers. The special effects were well done for the film. There isn't any use of futuristic stylized weapons (unlike the amazing medicine). There is some small special effects done for the strange animals that are seen briefly, but for the most part it remains un-computer animated. There isn't much in actual fist fighting either. It's all done very brief, and with minimal blood. The fim is mostly driven by its story, and its characters, not by its action. 

The cast was amazing together. They made the hero's believable, and the villains slimy. Many of the actors are fairly well known for other films. Jennifer Lawrence played the leading role of Katniss Everdeen. She did a great job creating this famous character. Unlike most films she's the action hero who protects everyone. Her presence on screen embodies the characters awkwardness and power. Josh Hutcherson played the role of Peeta Mellark. He was great in this role. He kept his character true to the novel in that he needs protecting, and that he is purely innocent. Woody Harrelson plays the role of Haymitch Abernathy. He was good in this role. There is some oddities with how his character is used in the script, but that's because some of the explanations were implied. Lenny Kravitz played the role of Cinna. He was great being the sympathetic stylist. He didn't make his character the typical male stylist, but instead made him Katniss' pillar. Elizabeth Banks played the role of Effie Trinket. She literally did her role so well, that everyone despised her character. That morbid prepiness was well played. Alexander Ludwig played the role of Cato. He was good in his limited role. His character was explored beyond what the story needed, but it was easy to see him as Katniss main challange. Wes Bently played the role of Seneca Crane. He took his few moments on screen to leave an impression.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It's a great recently released film. Adults and teenagers can enjoy this film together. The amazing cast really gives this film its power.

Answer to last blog: Director Wayne Wang also directed the film Maid in Manhattan (as well as Snow Flower and the Secret Fan).

Que: What other film has director Gary Ross directed?

American Beauty
Pleasentville
The Last Song
Bridge to Terabithia

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

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This film is based off the novel, of the same title, written by Lisa See. In 1997, two friends, Sophia and Nina, are best friends. Inspired by Sophia's ancestor Snow Flower they sign a pact written in Nu shu, so that they are laotong (sisters forever). After they get into a fight and stop speaking for six months, Sophia finds herself in a comma. Nina sets out to discover what happened to Sophia in the past six months. She discovers the novel Sophia was writing about Snow Flower and Lily in Old China. This forces Nina to re-evaluate the meaning of their friendship.

This historical drama was directed by Wayne Wang. Fox Searchlight allowed this film to be released in America. The story plays off an old practice in China. laotong was arranged like a marriage at childhood between women, and this allowed them to aid each other during hardships of life. The film places two stories within one, the one in ancient China between Snow Flower and Lily, and the story between Nina and  Sophia. This contrast shows how life has changed, and how friendships still remain the same through this change. So yes, it is a very girlie movie. It's a good film to watch with your best friend during a sleep over. I highly enjoyed the contrast between the two groups of friends. It created a great backdrop for the film. It showed how women's role in China had changed greatly over the years. The music was good in adding to the emotionally deep storyline. It can slightly confusing in the beginning because it not only jumps with time, but it also jumps with characters. The ending really does pull it together though. I also think the its interesting calling the two main characters from ancient China, Snow Flower and Lily was strange for me. It's cute, but strange.

The cast was good together. They really pulled out the emotions of the characters, and the emotions that follow an friendship. The two leading actress were great in pulling off two vary different roles. Bingbing Li played the roles of Nina and Lily. Gianna Jun played the roles of Sophia and Snow Flower. They gave each of their characters, past and present, different personalities that made the film believable. There is a surprise appearance by Hugh Jackman as Arthur. His role is small, but he manages to give his character some depth. The other characters in the film weren't given much opportunity to be anything else. They were limited to what the story needed them to be.

I give this film 4 out of 5. It has a great storyline that is perfect for best friends. There aren't any real secondary characters, and the film does do a lot of jumping between characters and time frame (mostly in the beginning).

Answer to last blog: The film Lady and the Tramp was released in 1955.

Que: What other film has director Wayne Wang directed?

Snow Falling on Cedars
Maid in Manhattan
Memoirs of a Geisha
Bride Wars 

Lady and the Tramp

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This film follows the story of Lady, a Cocker Spaniel dog, who was taken by the family Jim Dear and Darling on Christmas Eve. Lady grows from a young pup into a woman, and soon finds herself facing a great change in the household. Darling is expecting a baby. This places Lady in a state of confusion and curiosity. Tramp, a mutt from the wrong side of the tracks, stumbles upon Lady talking about the expecting baby. This sets Lady and Tramp into an unexpected adventure full of love and excitement. 

This animated film was directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske. This film was also influenced by Walt Disney who acted as the film's producer. This is the 15th animated classic in the Disney animated vault that remains one of the greatest love stories of all time (only toped by Beauty and the Beast). The animation might not be the best artistically drawn out of the Disney collection, but it's still better than some other films. A lot of the animation is taken from the old artistry of the era. It's story line is what carries film. At it's heart it's a classic love story of upper class meets the downtown streets, and the two opposites attract. It also plays off the general story of a dog's life from a dog's perspective, and keeps true to that belief. I'm glade they kept that truth to it, and it makes the perfect film to dedicate to man's best friend. The popular music all sung by Peggy Lee remains a staple for her career as a film singer (she does still appear in modern films to this day). This animated film also present a new imagery for animation, creating a much wider backdrop. It adds depth to the film, but it doesn't really give the film a broader feel. It is a child's film, and it's a sappy romance, and a story for dog lovers. This makes it the perfect date flick for dog lovers. 

This film presented a great cast of voice actors. Barbara Luddy voice the leading role of Lady. She appeared in several other disney films as well, but this was her leading role. She was good at giving her character the feel of being upper class, but not snobbish. Her character had real heart and sophistication. Larry Roberts (Salters) voiced the character Tramp. This was his only known acting role, but it was great. He gave Tramp an amazing personality that is unforgettable. Bill Thompson voiced the character Jock (as well as Dachise and Joe). He did a great job with the various accents. It was also good to see Jock to be the friend with heart, but also enjoys gossiping. Bill Baucom voiced Trusty. He was great in giving life to a former felon hunter. Peggy Lee voice the characters Darling, Si, Am, and Peg. Each of the characters allowed her to sing different songs in different voices. It is great listening to her voice variations, and gave each of them very different personalities. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It's a great romantic film that families can enjoy. This film is differently worthy of being a Disney classic. 

Answer to last blog: Director Chris Kentis also directed the film Open Water, as well as Silent House. 

Que: What year was this film released?

1950

1955

1951

1953

Silent House

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This film is based off the Uruguayan film The Silent House (La Casa Muda). Sarah is a young woman who is helping her father, John, to move out her old family's lakeside retreat. Peter, her uncle, is trying to help get the house in decent shape, but after a fight leaves. Shortly after, Sarah begins to hear strange noises around the house, and finds herself in a fight for survival. 

This film was directed by Chris Kentis and Laura Lau. This film is supposed to be based off actual events, but there's nothing to prove it. I feel that I must also mention that this film is a few minutes short of 88 minutes... :P Anyway, this film presented a new form of visual cinematography. It's not handheld camera's, and its not the standard filming, but instead you feel more like a person watching events unfold. It's disorienting at times, but its adds to the chaos of the film. It's also interesting being trapped in a dark house with light outside. The only annoying part is where the camera is temporarily used as a source of light. That bright flash has always annoyed me. This film has very limited story that is entirely explained in the last minutes of the film. There isn't much time to get to know the characters outside of the basic story premise, and generic roles. The several moments of silence is great for giving that creepy feeling. I can't say this film adds anything new to the horror genre, but its a good beginning point for the directors. The best thing for this film is the curiosity built up because of its simplistic commercial. 

The cast was good together for the few moments they were together.They were good for a group of new actors coming to the big screen. Elizabeth Olsen played the leading role of Sarah. This is a great film to establish her acting name among popular film audiences. She was great being the helpless damsel caught in this horrible situation. Adam Trese played the role of John. He was good paying his very small role. He's the unlikable father, and there's nothing more. Eric Sheffer Stevens played the role of Peter. His role was slightly longer, and he did good. He gave his character a sympathetic feel to him. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It's a decent horror film made to make you jump. But the story is lacking in any true depth. 

Answer to last blog: Actor David Thewlis also stared in the film franchise Harry Potter, along with Anonymous. 

Que: What other film did director Chris Kentis direct?

Paranormal Activity 2

A Perfect Getaway

The Rite

Open Water 

Anonymous

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This pseudo-historical film is set in London, England (1550-1604), during Queen Elizabeth I's ending reign. There is turmoil in politics over who will become the next successor the crown, and writing political forms of plays/poems/stories are a taboo. Edward De Vere finds himself in the center of inner and political turmoil. He is a talented writer, but writing is taboo for his Protestant beliefs. The queen's counselor WIlliam Cecil is highly against stage plays-believing them to be sinful. Impressed by the audience's reception of a play, De Vere hands his play off to Ben Jonson, who is to take credit for his stage play. Out of fear, Jonson allows the actor William Shakespeare to receive the credit for De Vere's stageplay. As the audience continues to cheer on the written works, De Vere finds himself inspired to write a hidden political agenda against counselor Cecil in Richard III. Everything quickly spirals out of control for De Vere, and the writer Ben Jonson. 

This film was directed by Roland Emmerich, who is mostly known for his end of the world films. The film's main focus is the argument of De Vere being the actual author of Shakespeare's popular stage plays. This reminder of the historical drama is set around the Tudor history, Queen Elizabeth I's end, and the beginning of King James rule. History is intertwined with the argument at its center, and it changes some events in history. This film has one major block; that is that this film would be mainly popular among fans of Shakespeare and of the theater. Well, stating that Shakespeare isn't the original author is like the argument of Jesus having children. Audience's will not take to the idea. The other problem this film faces is its jumping storyline. You have to know the historical characters moderately well, and even then its hard to follow. The fact that its also spoken in classic Elizabethan language doesn't help either. The film's ending really puts most of its jumbled plot into focus. Much of the film's story is speculative, and not fully explained. Otherwise, the backdrop was amazingly well done The Globe Theater, only being seen a small portion of the film was good, and the gloomy streets of London with the gloomy castles added to the intensity behind the dramatic story. The historical characters are highly different in there expectations. That being said, this film was written more to suit the argument than to be an actual historical drama. I also think that in some ways, the story was attempted to be written in a Shakespearian style with a comical character and high dramatic plot line. 

The acting was good. The actors gave the film its dramatic tension. Rhys Ifan played the role of Earl of Oxford, Edward De Vere. He was good in his role. He gave his character a rebellious, nature, and yet is trapped by the boundaries of society. Sebastian Armesto played the role of Ben Jonson. He was great at playing the conflicted playwright who see's the brillance of De Vere's words, but must live with the sacrifice he made out of fear. Rafe Spall played the comical version of William Shakespeare. He made Shakespeare into an illiterate drunk. Which is probably the only true way to give the argument full credibility.  Vanessa Redgrave played the role of Queen Elizabeth I. She gave Elizabeth power, but also showed her as vulnerable. She had to alter the role from the general form of Elizabeth known in history a bit to better fit the story. David Thewlis played the role of 1st Baron Burghley, William Cecil (father), and Edward Hogg played the role of 1st Earl of Salisbury, Robert Cecil (son). It is easy to see how the father's conniving influence to get to the crown impacted his son. They are great as the vilain for this story. Their political power comes from knowing secrets, and using blackmail. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It's got a good basis, but its jumping story is its downfall. There wasn't enough explanation of the connection between the characters politically to gain a full dramatic meaning behind the story. The idea is still great for questioning what we believe we know. 

Answer to last blog: Actor Taylor Kitsch and actress Lily Collins, both stared in the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and in John Carter. 

Que: What popular film franchise stared actor David Thewlis?

Twilight Saga

Underworld

Pirates

Harry Potter

John Carter

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This film is based on the first part 1, A Princess of Mars, of an 11 part series written by Edgar Rice Burroughs called Barsoom. (Before the narrative of Carter, Sab Than a leader on Barsoom/Mars is given a powerful gift by Matai Shang, who is the leader of the Holy Therns. He is given this power to rule Barsoom/Mars so long as he obeys every wish of the Holy Therns.) This film follows the story of John Carter, a man who was a Confederate soldier. He lived as a man without a cause in the 1880's, fighting to find a cave of gold in the Arizonan Desert. After escaping his forced draft (fighting against the Apache Indians) by Captain Powell, he finds a mysterious cave filled with gold. A strange man attacks Carter, but Carter manages to shoot him. He takes an amulet from the man and says a few words that transport him to Mars/Barsoom. There he discovers Tars Tarkas, a Thark leader, and becomes Sola's (a female Thark's) responsibility. His rebellious nature gets Sola into trouble, and nearly murdered. Dejah Thoris is a princess who is forced into a marriage with Sab Than to unite the two kingdoms of men, living on Mars/Barsoom, Helium and Zodanga. This will thereby seal Sab Than's position in leadership on Mars/Barsoom. Dejah Thoris tries to run away, and makes it to the Thark home, and is attacked by Sab Than. John Carter saves her, and she is taken captive by the Tharks. They escape from the Tharks with Sola, and set out on an epic adventure. 

Okay, take a minute to see if the explanation made sense... This film was directed by Andrew Stanton, a popular Disney/Pixar animator. The novel series is old, written in 1912-1943 by Burroughs. Disney had been wanting to make this film since roughly the 1980's, but the technology wasn't available to make this film grand. There is some small amount of science mixed in with this fantasy world if you pay attention, and know your planetary science moderately well, and if you know what to look for. Now, the story line is as busy as it sounds, but that's how it often goes with the first film of a science fiction/adventure film. What makes the film so confusing with narrative and plot is the first several minutes of the film. It goes to the past, then to the present, and then back into to the past, and then travel to Mars/Barsoom in rapid succession. The ending really pulls it all together though. Once that is settled the story has deep meaning behind it. It plays off the idea of fighting for a cause, and discovering yourself. The story is a mix of Star Wars and Conan in a sense. Some of the story is lost in the great graphics. The effects for this film are really great. The aliens, and creatures, look highly believable. There are really four races in mentioned in this film, and two civilized species in this film. There are the two cultures of humans, Helium and Zodanga, and the two cultures of Thark, but only one is really shown. (The dog species on the planet is still adorable-even without fur.) The fighting in the film was good. It kept to the story, and looked great. The unfortunate part was that it has good fighting and good alien design, but it's backdrop weren't as good. There didn't appear to be any culture that had lived on Barsoom/Mars until maybe a few years ago. (The film dedication to Steve Jobs was interesting in the end credits. Maybe when the film is on sale I'll understand why in the special features.)

The cast worked well together for a group of unknown actors. They had some good chemistry together, and they gave the film its image. It is unfortunate that the dialogue wasn't better for the actors. Taylor Kitsch played the leading role of John Carter. This is first real leading role in Hollywood, and he did good. I liked his look because he looked believable as an ex-Confederate soldier (from the 1880's) who just got sent to a strange world (and didn't look like Conan in space). He gave his character a feeling of being lost which fit the film really well. Lynn Collins played the role of Dejah Thoris. She did all right in her role being a scientist/warrior/princess-a very multi-tasked character. Samantha Morton performed the role of Sola. She was good in her limited role. Even though her character is important to the story, its kept within short limitations. Dominic West played the role of Sab Than. He was good at playing the ignorant wannabe ruler of Mars/Barsoom. He kept his character ignorant without appearing stupid which is good. Mark Strong played the role of Matai Shang. He is great being the mysterious powerful villain force as has become his general roles. He has great presence on screen-no matter how unusual the role is, and it remains apparent in this film. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It has a good storyline, even if it is confusing to follow at times. The animation was done really well, and it is a great epic adventure film.

Answer to last blog: Actress Li Gong is also known, other than the film Curse of the Golden Flower, for the film Memoirs of a Geisha. 

Which two actors both stared in the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but did not share screen time together?

Lynn Collins and Taylor Kitsch
Samantha Morton and Dominic West
Taylor Kitsch and Samantha Morton
Dominic West and Lynn Collins

The Curse of the Golden Flower

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Based on Cao Yu's play Thunderstorm, the film is set during the Tang Dynasty. The royal family is facing their darkest hour to come. Emperor Ping is slowly murdering his wife, and is trying to ensure that the Chrysanthemum Festival takes place to show the country family harmony. Empress Phoenix is forced to fight for her life and begins to try and use her sons against Emperor Ping. As the festival quickly approaches the family chaos is beginning to be revealed.    

This film as directed by Yimou Zhang, who is well acclaimed for his Chinese films. This was China's most expensive to date in 2006. This film takes the plot from Cao Yu's play, and changes it to better fit modern cinema. There are some historical errors in the film. The film tried to play more like a stageplay than a film. The story is great and full of irony. The Chrysanthemum Festival as a backdrop was great because the festival is meant to show family harmony, but this family is full of disharmony. The story plays to the troubles that can hurt a royal family, while having the family disharmony as its focus. There is a some over done fighting, that really only takes away from the great story, added to the film. The acting is over dramatized, and the camera angle's used were made to add to the over dramatization of the film. The film carries a very artistic styling to it. Every scene is a work of very bright art. The music gives the artistic style a deeper feel. 

As I said the acting was over dramatic, but the cast together had great chemistry. Yun-Fat Chow (Chow Yun-Fat) played the role of Emperor Ping. He was great at being the villain in this film. He was so sadistic and sinister that you couldn't wait for him to die. Li Gong played the role of Empress Phoenix. This film really shows her power and presence as an actress. She was great being the opposing character to Yun-Fat Chow. Jay Chou played the role of Prince Jai. He was good in his role. He took the basic role of the obedient son and altered it. Ye Liu played the role of the Crown Prince Wan. He was good in his role of being the obedient son. It is unfortunate that neither of sons had a chance to do much with their roles other than being sons to the Emperor and Empress. 

I give this film a 3 out of 5 stars! It's got a great story plot, but the over dramatic acting and camera angle's, and the fighting, hurt the film. The artistic visual style makes it worth the watch.

Answer to last blog: The other film, in addition to The Secret World of Arrietty, Studio Ghibli also released the film Kiki's Delivery Service.

Que: What other film is actress Li Gong known for?

House of Daggers
Memoirs of a Geisha
Crouching Tigger, Hidden Dragon
The Last Emperor

The Secret World of Arrietty

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This latest release from Studio Ghibli, is based off the novel The Borrowers by Mary Norton. This film follows Arrietty, a Borrower who lives with her parents, Homily and Pod, in a manor. They are left believing to be the only Borrowers left, and face a new challenge as a new 'bean' (human being) enteres the house. Arrietty accidentally meets the new 'bean', Shawn. This quickly leads her family into an unexpected adventure. 

This film was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, who is a popular animator for Studio Ghibli. This his first real credited directoral debut in this field. His previous time was spent being an animator under the instruction of Hayao Miyazaki. It is a retelling of the novel by Norton, but I can't say how faithful it is to the novel. Now, this film has actually been around since 2010. It was first released in Japan, and was adapted for American/British audience's shortly after its release. (Not kidding, the billing list two different cast for America and Britain. Do we really have to variations of english?) This film isn't as good as their previous best films, but is better than the last film to be released. This film has the familiar artistic talents that come from Studio Ghibli. This film really transported audience's from the average world into Arrietty's. This film used sound and animation manipulation to achieve a slight 3D effect. Now, this is an Japanese animation style mixed with American cartoon animation. Since its mixed Japanese and American, the story itself is also mixed. It has those quick moments of the characters being here then there. It also gets moderately preachy as most Japanese animation does. It's also intended to be a film for children, and not so much for adults. The deepest moments of the story are kept light, but it also gives the film its heart. This also plays with the idea of the end, and change. I enjoyed the stories slow pace, because it allowed for character development and story development. 

This film has a surprising American cast of voice actors. I was greatly surprised finding out who lent their voices, because of the talent in this film. Saoirse Ronan performed the voice of Arrietty. She was great voicing this character giving her heart and a child like feel. Now, for the surprises. Will Arnett voice the character Pod, and Amy Poehler voice the character Homily. Both are well comedians with extreme personalities. In this film they pulled back those personalities to create two unique characters. David Henrie did the voice for Shawn. This pulls him out of television and places him in front of film audiences. In these films it is common to see the familiar two older woman in various roles, but with the same personalities. Carol Burnett voice Hara, and Gracie Poletti voiced Aunt Jessica. They were great creating the two unique characters. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great animated film that comes from Studio Ghibli. It has a surprising cast of voice actors (American version) that helped give the film heart. It is definitely a great film for children. 

Answer to last blog: Actor Chris Pine, from This Means War, also starred in the film Just My Luck. 

Que: What other film was released by Ghibli Studio's? 

Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas

The Reluctant Dragon

Kiki's Delivery Service

The Road to El Dorado